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Christmas 
in Austria 

or 


BY 

FRANCES BARTLETT 

M 

ILLUSTRATED BY 

BERTHA D. HOXIE 



BOSTON 

DANA ESTES tsf COMPANY 


PUBLISHERS 



% 


Copyright^ igio 

By Dana Estes & Company 
All rights reserved 


CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


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c c c 

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Electrotyped and Printed by 
THE COLONIAL PRESS 
C. H . Simonds Co., Boston, U. S, A. 


CCU268128 


CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 

OR 

FRITZL’S FRIENDS 
CHAPTER I 

On the snow covered stones of the Stephansplatz of Vienna, 
Fritzl and Tzandi danced joyously. The boy Fritzl because 
it was Christmas Eve. Because also in the rapid motion 
his little body forgot how poorly it was clad. While Tzandi, 
the terrier of “ Schottisch ” or Scottish ancestry, 'danced because 
anything his small master did was pleasing in his sight, and 
to be copied, if possible. Under Fritzl’s chin was tucked a 
violin; and as the boy danced he played snatches of melody: 
bits of Hungarian folk songs, and bars of the waltzes the 
Viennese love, which set the feet of the passers-by moving 
more swiftly. But not one kreutzer had been slipped into the 
boy’s hand, although it was Christmas Eve. 

Now Fritzl and Tzandi had no home. For only that Christmas 
Eve, the cross old woman, of whose cellar they had made a 
pitiful refuge, had warned them of what they might expect, 
if they came within her house again. Indeed, neither Eritzl 
nor Tzandi could remember any home save the cellar, and 
before that, the attic where they had lived with the blind musi- 
cian, who, dying, had left his cherished violin to the little boy, 
whose heart and fingers were overflowing with music. I 
tell you what, Tzandi,” ‘cried Fritzl, as toward midnight boy 
and dog sought shelter in one doorway after another of the 


6 


CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


Stephansplatz, only to be driven forth: There’s a lovely 

corner by the Riesenthor! I forgot all about it till now. Let’s 
go there, it’s the very place! ’Course Santa Claus will go through 
that very door into the cathedral, and can hear us when we 
tell him we’re waiting for him. Why, just as easy, Tzandi! ” 

So they crept into one of the sculptured niches of the “ Giant’s 
Gate,” where the great wings of the angels announcing the 
birth of the Christ Child made an insufficient shelter. Sud- 
denly the carved portals opened, and one of the sacristans of the 
cathedral came forth, and looked about the now almost deserted 
square. 

Then like two little spirits, Fritzl and Tzandi slipped into 
the porch, and from there into the solemn church. 

Once Tzandi looked up anxiously into his master’s face, as 
if he feared that Santa Claus might not find them there. “ Of 
course he will,” laughed Fritzl, answering the dog’s silent 
question; “ Why, I’m surprised you didn’t know he’ll be sure 
to come in here to say ‘ Merry Christmas ’ to the Blessed 
Mother, first thing in the morning! ” 

Tzandi wagged his tail in relief, as if his last fear were quieted. 
Like shadows, through the shadows of the vast nave passed 
boy and dog, straight to the statue of the Blessed Mother. And 
upon the pavement at her feet, safely hidden in the shelter 
made by the sculptures of her shrine, they nestled closely against 
each other. 

Now isn’t this the very beautifullest place in all the world 
to be in Christmas Eve? ” asked Fritzl drowsily, dropping his 
head upon Tzandi’s shaggy hide. 

And Tzandi, already half asleep, wagged his tail blissfully. 


CHAPTER II 


Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! It’s time to get 
up, little master,” barked Tzandi, as the first pale gleams of 
the Christmas sunrise crept through the painted window above 
the high altar of St. Stephans. 

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! So it is,” answered 
Fritzl sleepily; “ but does your head too feel awful funny, 
Tzandi? All light and hot? And your feet all cold and heavy? ” 
By a languid wag of his tail, Tzandi assured his master that 
all was indeed as he had said. “ I tell you what it is,” said the 
boy; we’re just hungry. And Santa Claus hasn’t come. I 
s’pose there are so many children in Vienna, he couldn’t help 
being late getting around to us. Oh, but don’t you wish he’d 
come! ” 

A frantic wagging of Tzandi’s tail, and the thrusting of his 
cold nose into his master’s hand, answered as plainly as words 
could have done. Let’s go out to the Stephansplatz,” went 
on Fritzl, rising weakly to his feet; and I’ll play, and you 
shall dance, and surely, Christmas morning, someone will give 
us some kreutzers. And — and — ” The words trailed off 
drowsily. 

The boy shook himself impatiently. “ I never felt so sleepy 
as this before,” he thought; “ and Christmas too! ” Then 
after an awkward little “ reverence ” before the Blessed Mother, 
and a ‘‘ Merry Christmas ” whispered softly to her, Fritzl 
went down the broad nave to the Riesenthor, pushed open one 
of its portals slowly, and with his violin held closely to him, 
and followed by Tzandi, went without, and stood, a forlorn 
little figure, upon the broad stone step. 

7 


8 


CI/IiIS7:MAS IN AUSTRIA 


The hour for early mass had not yet come, but the Stephans- 
platz was already filled with people, singing Christmas carols. 
The booths were fringed with evergreen; every window was 
a blaze of color; and the people, as they walked or danced along, 
waved boughs of hemlock, so that the square looked almost 
as if the long vanished pine forests were once more growing in 
Old Vienna. 

Now what did I tell you, Tzandi,” Fritzl cried triumphantly, 
if somewhat shakily. “Just look at all those boys and girls! 
’Course Santa Claus hasn’t forgotten us, but he couldn’t help 
being a bit late, Tzandi dear. Any minute now, he may come! ” 

Suddenly, from the direction of the Graben, came the sound 
of cheering. The crowd opened, like great waves parted by 
some mighty wind, and into the Stephansplatz came a closed 
carriage drawn by two black horses. Slowly it passed along, 
the white-haired man within bowing kindly to right and left, 
straight to where Fritzl and Tzandi waited, at the Riesenthor. 
At the foot of the steps, the carriage stopped. A groom in 
quiet livery opened the door. And wrapped in furs from head 
to feet, the white-haired man stepped out. Beneath his bushy 
eyebrows, eyes as clear and blue as those of a child looked forth. 
And the lips under the heavy white moustache were smiling, 
as he mounted the steps. 

Fritzl gave a little gasp of pure delight. Deaf. to the words 
the crowd were crying, of the identity of the white-haired, fur- 
wrapped figure, he had no doubt. 

It must be Santa Claus. 

The relaxed little figure straightened; the thin little hands 
were outstretched; and lifting his happy eyes to the friendly 
ones looking straight into them, Fritzl cried: 

“ Tzandi, Tzandi, he’s come! ” 

And fell, a limp little heap, at the feet of “ Unser Franz.” 





CHAPTER III 


Just about the time when Fritzl and Tzandi waked, that 
Christmas morning, two little children within the palace at 
Schonbrunn were welcoming the Christ Child’s Day. 

One, a boy of eleven, known throughout Austria-Hungary as 
the little lame Prince,” was the Archduke Maximilian. The 

other, a girl of nine, was the 
Archduchess Elizabeth. But 
to each other, and the im- 
perial family at Vienna, they 
were known as Max ” and 
“ Betty.” 

Max had been the first to 
waken; but for a time he 
laid very still, cuddled within 
the soft blankets of his bed, 
his young heart beating hap- 
pily, at the thought of what 
the day was to bring to him. 
Ever since he was born, the 
little Prince had been crip- 
pled. But for nearly two years, the famous surgeon of the 
Kinderspitzel of Vienna had been treating him; and this 
Christmas Day he was to walk, for the first time in his life. 
And all the great empire of Austria-Hungary was waiting for 
the test, almost as eagerly as he. For when the good Emperor, 
his grandfather, should cease to reign, Max would be “ Unser 
Kaiser ” to millions of people. 

Suddenly there came a knock at the door. 

10 



CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


II 


‘‘ Merry Christmas, and come in, Betty! ” called Max ex- 
citedly. 

And a small girl, crying as excitedly, Merry Christmas, 
Maxchen, and I knew perfectly well you’d say it first! ” pushed 
open the door, and running across the room, threw herself 
down by Maxchen’s bed, flinging her soft arms around her 
brother’s neck. 

“ Oh, Betty, Betty,” he cried, as he nestled against her, “ it 
seems almost too good to be true! Only it must come true, 
mustn’t it, Christmas Day? ” 

“ ’Course it must,” agreed Betty stoutly; why, didn’t the 
Herr Doctor tell you it would come true, this very day? ” 

“ Yes,” breathed Max softly. 

“ And there’s nothing in the world, the Herr Doctor doesn’t 
know,” declared Betty; and I love him.” 

“ So do I,” cried Max; almost as much as Grandpapa 
Franzchen! ” For by that name, born of affection, was the 
august Emperor of Austria-Hungary known to his grandchildren. 

‘‘ Betty,” the boy cried abruptly, “ the very first race we’ll 
run will be from there,” pointing to the Gloriette,” shining 
like a jewel in the sunrise light, — “ straight to the edge of the 
lily pond. And — and — I’ll beat you, you little girl! ” 

“ Can’t! ” answered Betty, stretching out her slim straight 
legs, and looking at them with confidence. 

Can! ” Max cried delightedly. And then they both laughed, 
and cuddled together more closely. 

Do you remember,” Max went on, “ that boy we watched, 
in the rose garden, running races with his dog, one day last 
summer? The boy with a violin under his arm? ” 

Yes, Betty remembered. 

“ My, how he ran! ” sighed Max, ‘‘ and we called and called 
to him, and finally made ‘ Goggles ’ ” (this the most dignified 


12 


CHRISTMAS IN AC/STRIA 


of the tutors of the Prince) “go after him. But of course he 
couldn’t run fast enough, and the boy got quite away. I wish 
I could find that boy. Betty,” rising on one elbow, when I 
walk, I will! I do so want that boy and that dog! ” 

“ Why,” laughed matter-of-fact Betty, “ you’ve heaps of 
boys to play with, and heaps of dogs! ” 

“But not one boy who can play the violin. And not one dog 
that can dance.” 

“ Well, that dog was a dear,” Betty agreed cordially; “ and 
— why, Maxchen,” she went on, “ we’ll ask Grandpapa Franz- 
chen to get the boy and the dog for us, this very Christmas 
Day. We’ll — ” But the little maid’s blithe voice was inter- 
rupted by the sound of footsteps in the corridor. The door 
opened softly, “ His Majesty the Emperor and the Herr Doc- 
tor,” was solemnly announced. And into the sunlit room, two 
stately men came. 

We know quite well how “ Unser Franz ” looked. We saw 
him, that very morning, speaking kindly to Fritzl and Tzandi, 
at the Riesenthor. 

“ Merry Christmas — Merry Christmas, dear Grandpapa 
Franzchen and dear Herr Doctor! ” cried the children. And 
Betty slipped quickly to the floor, and curtsied demurely to 
to the Emperor. 

“ Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas! ” returned the Em- 
peror and Doctor gaily, who had wisely given the children the 
longed-for chance to say it first. 

Then the old Kaiser caught Betty up in his arms, and kissed 
her forehead. “Now God bless thee, Liebchen, ’ he said, seating 
himself in the great chair beside the bed, and bending over and 
kissing Max on both his cheeks. Then, with an arm around 
each grandchild, he looked up at the Herr Doctor, standing 
straight and tall beside him. 


CffJilSTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


13 


A very king of men was the Herr Doctor, with stalwart 
shoulders, and kindly grave eyes, the color of the sea, when the 
sky is clouded. 

‘‘ Well, your Highness,” he said, in a voice as tender as his 
eyes, “ all ready to walk to-night? ” 

“ Yes, sir,” answered Max bravely, but nestling closer against 
his grandfather. 

Then the Herr Doctor looked down into the anxious face of 
the old Emperor. 

Your Majesty need have no fear of the result of to-night’s 
test,” he said softly, “ the little lad will walk.” 

And Grandpapachen,” cried Betty, breaking into the 
solemn pause which followed, “ he’s going to run races with 
the boy and the dog! The boy with the fiddle, and the dog that 
can dance, you know,” she explained rapidly. “ Why, Grand- 
papa Franzchen,” stroking his white hair with her dimpled 
hand, “ Max wants that boy and that dog, so! Please get 
them for him, dear Grandpapa Emperor! ” 

When Betty commenced her story of the races to be run 
with a boy who carried a violin, and a little dog that could 
dance, a strange look had flashed into the Emperor’s eyes. 
This deepened to one of amazement, and then his whole face 
glowed with the thought within his heart. 

It seemed that he was going to be able to give even more 
pleasure than he had hoped. 

Well, Maxchen,” he laughed, “ thou hast set thy grandfather 
a hard task! To find, in his great city of Vienna, a boy who 
plays the fiddle and who has a dog that dances! But he will 
try, Liebchen,” patting his grandson’s head softly. Would 
you know them, should you see them again, little ones? ” he 
cried, quite as excited now as the children. 

Why, of course we would,” laughed Betty, for herself and 


14 


CHRISTMAS IH AUSTRIA 


Max too: “there are only — they — you know, Grandpapa 
dear! ” 

“ I will commence to search for them this moment,” an- 
nounced the Emperor gaily, lifting Betty to the floor and rising 
from his chair, “ and the Herr Doctor shall help me! But what 
wilt thou do with them, beside run races, should I find them for 
thee? ” he asked Max. 

“ I will make them happy,” said the little lame Prince. 

As the two men were leaving the room, the Herr Doctor 
turned. “ Your Highness,” he said, “ where will you go first, 
when you walk to-night? ” 

“To my Emperor,” answered the boy proudly, raising one 
little hand in salute. 


CHAPTER IV 


Fritzl lifted his heavy eyelids, and looked about him, first 
languidly, then wonderingly. Gone were the Riesenthor and 
the Stephansplatz, and in place of them was a quiet room, 
lined with books and hung with tapestries. 

But the friendly eyes into which his gazed were still those 
of “ Santa Claus,” and the friendly hand which had touched 
his bare head on the steps of the Giant’s Gate, held one of his 
own. His violin lay on the couch beside him, while a warm 
little tongue licking his hand, and the subdued but joyous 
thumping of a stubby tail against the polished floor, told that 
Tzandi was near. 

So, all his fears relieved, Fritzl looked up happily to the man 
who sat beside him, and asked: “ Is this your house, dear Santa 
Claus? ” 

“ I shall have to tell him,” said Unser Franz ” to himself. 
Then aloud : “ Yes, little lad, it is my house. But it is the palace 
of Schonbrunn, and I am only the Kaiser.” 

Well, I s’pose you can’t help it,” sighed Fritzl, “ but I 
truly thought you were Santa Claus. You look exactly like 
him! ” 

“ Thank you,” replied the Emperor meekly, and I will 
try to be like him. Indeed, he sent me to thee, little lad, so 
do not be disappointed. Another year thou shalt surely see 
him. I — your Emperor — promise thee. And now, what wilt 
thou choose first as a gift from him? ” 

“ Something to eat for Tzandi and me,” leapt the swift 
reply. 

“ Bless my heart,” laughed Unser Franz,” ringing a silver 

15 


i6 


CHRISTMAS IN AC/STRIA 


bell on the table beside him. Then, as a servant appeared, he 
said, Bring broth and bread and milk for the little lad.” 

“ Oh, yes,” he went on, answering the question in Fritzhs 
eyes, “ Tzandi has already eaten all that he possibly could.” 

Then while Fritzl, propped with pillows on the broad lounge, 
ate hungrily, they talked together. 

What is thy name, little lad? ” 



“ Fritzl, sir — I 
mean. Your Maj- 
esty,” remembering 
the words he had 
heard the servant 
use. 

F ritzl — and what 
else? ” 

Nothing e 1 s e,” 
firmly, “ just Fritzl.” 

‘‘But who were 
thy father and 
mother? ” 

“I never had any,” 
the boy answered 
gravely. “ Once there 
was Josef, the blind 
fiddler, but since he went to heaven, there’s only been just the 
violin and Tzandi and me.” 

“ And what art thou going to be, when thou art a man? ” 

“ A great violinist! ” flashed the prompt answer. 

“ And so thou shalt be, little Fritzl, if I can help thee to 


it. 




When the boy had eaten the broth and bread, “ Unser Franz ” 


rose. 


CHRISTMAS IN AC/STRIA 


17 


‘‘ Now stay thou here, child, and rest,” he said; “ after I 
have wished my own dear little ones ^ Merry Christmas,’ I 
will come back to thee.” 

But the Emperor returned sooner than Fritzl had ex- 
pected. 

“ For what dost thou think our Prince wishes most, this 
Christmas morning? ” he said excitedly, “ why, a little boy 
who can play the fiddle, and a little dog that can dance. Come 
thou with me straight to him, Fritz- 
chen! ” 

Tucking his violin carefully under 
his arm, the boy shpped one small 
hand into the hand of the Emperor, 
and followed by Tzandi, they went 
from the room. 

At the end of a long corridor, the 
Emperor stopped before a closed 
door. 

‘‘Go thou in alone, Fritzl,” he said 
softly, opening the door: “ there are 
two little friends within who will wel- 
come thee.” 

Very quietly, as if nothing more 
could surprise him, that day of miracles, Fritzl crossed the 
threshold, and stood within the room. 

At one of the bay windows overlooking the terraced garden, 
sat the little lame Prince and his sister, their curly heads bent 
over a book. 

“.The dog looks something like the one that boy had,” 
Fritzl heard the Prince say wistfully. 

“ Only he hasn’t such a dear funny tail as — ” 

But Betty never finished her sentence. 



i8 


CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


Tzandi, having been quiet as long as seemed to him desirable, 
gave a soft little whine. 

The brother and sister turned swiftly. 

It’s the boy with the violin! ” cried Max. 

“ It’s the dog! ” cried Betty. 


CHAPTER V 


I TOLD you so, Maxchen! ” Betty announced triumphantly, 
as a half hour later, explanations having been finished, the three 
children and Tzandi clustered on the tiger skin, before the fire 
of pine logs. I told you Grandpapa Franzchen would bring 
them to you. There isn’t anything in this world he can’t do. 
And now, Fritzl, commence at the very first beginning, and tell 
it all over again! ” 

“ Oh, poor Fritzl,” she cried, slipping a warm hand into his, 
as he came to that part of his story, where Tzandi and he were 
driven out of the doorways, in which they had sought shelter, 
the night before. 

Poor little Fritzl,” echoed the Prince, “ all cold and lonely! 

I wasn’t exactly lonely,” said Fritzl loyally, looking down 
at Tzandi at his feet, sleeping the sleep of a well-fed dog, “ but I 
was awful hungry! ” 

“ Well,” cried the small Archduchess stoutly, “ it was the 
very last time, Fritzl. You sha’n’t be hungry or cold any more, 
ever again! ” 

Sit thou closer to me, Fritzchen,” commanded the Prince: 

now I will tell thee my story.” 

Then he told Fritzl how he had never been able to run or 
walk like other boys. How, for nearly two years, the famous 
surgeon had been treating him. How, that very Christmas 
night, he was to walk for the first time. 

But if he fail ? ” faltered Fritzl, tears of anxiety in his eyes 
and voice. 

He will not fail,” the Prince said proudly: “ he never fails 
19 


20 


CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


anyone — my Herr Doctor! And now, Fritzl,” all a boy’s 
love of fun flashing into his eyes, “ make Tzandi dance! ” 

And how Tzandi danced! 

Back and forth, up and down the room, while Fritzl fiddled 
merrily, and Max and Betty clapped their hands in de- 
light. 

For Tzandi realized that the time had come for him to do 
honor to his little master’s training, and never did a dog dance 
as he, that Christmas Day! 

He was still waltzing blithely, his fore paws waving ecstatic- 
ally in the air, when the Emperor came into the room. I 
have come to hear thee fiddle, Fritzl,” he said, taking Betty 
into his arms, and seating himself in the great arm-chair beside 
the Prince. “ Play me one of the dances my children of Hun- 
gary love.” 

So Fritzl played, standing proudly yet very modestly before 
his Kaiser. And the old Emperor, closing his eyes, saw once 
more that village on the Danube, where, a boy about the age 
of the three children, he had been taught to dance the czardas; 
heard once more the chant of the pines, and the laughter of the 
Hungarian peasants, who had danced with him. 

Little lad,” he said, as the song died plaintively away, 

God has given thee the greatest of his gifts. And now,” 
he went on, “ play that which shall make these children think 
of the brave deeds of their ancestors.” 

And Fritzl played: deep chords and crashing measures, 
underneath which was the tramp of feet, and the clash of sword 
blades. 

“ Grandpapa, Grandpapa,” cried Max excitedly, '' canst thou 
not hear them? The tramp of the men and the tramp of the 
horses of Rudolph, going forth to victory over Ottokar of Bo- 
hemia? ” 








22 


CHRISTMAS IN AC/STRIA 


Oh, and the sound of swords drawn swiftly,” Betty cried, 
nestling closer into her grandfather’s arms. 

“And now,” said “ Unser Franz” softly, “play thou that 
song which neither thou nor these other little orphaned ones 
ever heard. The song that mothers sing.” 

Again Fritzl played: and the sound was like the ripple of 
quiet waters, like the rustle of rain-drenched poplar leaves, 
like the cadence of a woman’s voice, hushing her little child to 
sleep upon her breast. 

Again the Emperor closed his eyes, and saw his mother’s 
face, and heard the song his beautiful wife used to sing to their 
only son, long dead. 

Then, brushing the tears from his eyes, he cried cheerily to 
Fritzl: “ Play thou the ‘ Kaiser Hymn ! ’ And then,” kissing 
the forehead of the boy beside him, “ the Prince must rest.” 

Fritzl drew himself to his tallest, tucked his violin more 
firmly under his chin, and to its measures sang in his clear young 
voice, the other children joining eagerly, — 

“ Gott erhalte, Gott beschiitze, unsern Kaiser, unser Land I ” 


CHAPTER VI 


In the Blue Salon ” of Schonbrunn, the imperial family 
awaited the coming of the Emperor and the Prince, talking 
together softly, not only of “ Maxchen,” as they called him 
lovingly, but of Fritzl, whose story had spread throughout the 
palace. 

At last, the Hofmeister threw open impressively the east 
door of the salon, and across its threshold, and down the path- 
way made for him by his family, the Emperor passed slowly. 
Lightly holding his right hand, trying to walk demurely, but 
fluttering along like a white rosebud softly blown, was the 
little Archduchess Betty. Tightly clinging to his left hand, 
walked a boy, holding a violin. Behind, went the Archduke 
Max, in his wheeled chair, and beside him was the great 
surgeon. 

At the dais, on one side of the salon, the three children and 
the Herr Doctor halted, while the Emperor mounted its steps, 
and bowing to those assembled, who curtsied and bowed deeply 
in return, took his seat upon the golden throne. 

It was all very solemn and stately. And Fritzl felt rather 
lonely. He missed Tzandi, among all these strange and awe- 
inspiring people. 

‘‘ I wonder,” he thought to himself, “ if theyTe both dreams 
— last night, in the Stephansplatz, and here, to-night! ” 

Now just at that moment there came the sound of subdued 
but excited voices at the east door of the salon. The dignified 
Hofmeister was seen to plunge wildly forward, in a vain attempt 
to bar the way. And then — and then — (as long as he lives, 
Fritzl says he can never forget the mingling of surprise and joy 

23 


24 


CHRISTMAS IiV AUSTRIA 


and shame which flooded his heart) a little terrier dog, ears 
and tail erect in the pride of victory, trotted through the door, 
and across the room to the three children, grouped at the foot 
of the throne. Looking up into Fritzhs scarlet face, he wagged 
his stumpy tail joyously, and giving three sharp little barks 
of salutation, sat up on his hind legs, his fore paws waving 
politely. One ear erect, the other drooping in that deprecating 
fashion, which means that a little dog knows he is doing what 
he should not, but really can not help it. 

How he reached his master remains a mystery unto this 
day. But there he was. 

Laughing heartily with the rest, the Emperor said, Although 
an uninvited, thou art a welcome guest. Monsieur Tzandi! ” 
While Max and Betty patted his shaggy head, as he trotted 
from one to the other, licking their hands with his soft red 
tongue. 

Suddenly, the Emperor nodded to the Herr Doctor. 

The face of the little Prince grew white; but there was no 
trace of fear or doubt in the blue eyes, lifted to the great sur- 
geon’s face. 

Betty tried to smile bravely at him, creeping closer to Fritzl, 
and slipping her hand within his. While to Fritzl himself it 
seemed as if everyone must hear the beating of his heart, so 
frightened was he. 

Then, very tenderly, the Herr Doctor lifted the Prince from 
his wheeled chair, and stood him carefully on the dais, a few 
feet from the Emperor’s throne. Involuntarily, both Betty 
and Fritzl moved nearer, each stretching out a trembling hand 
as if to help him. But Max stood steadily. 

Maxchen, Maxchen,” called softly the Emperor, his face 
as white as his snowy hair, come thou to me, dear 
child!” 






26 


CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


The boy gave a last look into the good Doctor’s eyes, which 
were strangely dim. 

“ Go thou, little lad,” said the surgeon gently. 

Then the Prince walked bravely into his grandfather’s out- 
stretched arms. 


CHAPTER VII 


When the tumult of congratulation had somewhat subsided, 
and Max had walked proudly back to the great surgeon (hap- 
piest perhaps of all those present), the Emperor rose, and silence 
fell upon the room. His voice trembled a little, from excitement 
and relief, but the fresh color had come back to his kind face. 

“ Good friends and mine own people,” he said, “ of that 
which the Herr Doctor has done for the Prince — for me — 
for you — for the empire — I can not speak. There are no 
words for that which is within my heart. Only my life hence- 
forth can prove its gratitude.” Then beckoning to Fritzl, who 
mounted the steps of the dais fearlessly, and stood beside him, 
the Emperor continued: Somewhat over a hundred years 

ago this Christmas night, a little lad, one Mozart, sat at yonder 
spinet, and played to our great Empress and her children. 
To-night, a little lad shall play to you. This little lad, Fritzl, 
whom I believe God means to become as great a musician, as 
became that child of long ago. He has known cold and hunger 
and neglect. But he has been a brave lad, and none of these 
things shall he ever know again.” 

“Now Fritzchen, play to these thy friends,” he commanded 
kindly, reseating himself upon his golden throne. 

Slim and straight, in his suit of black velvet, Fritzl stood 
beside him, looking about the brilliant room. At first he was 
timid and the little hand which raised the violin to his shoulder 
trembled. But looking into the gentle face beside him, and 
down at the smiling ones of the good Herr Doctor, Max and 
Betty and Tzandi, he thought of nothing but pleasing them. 

27 


28 


CHRISTMAS IN AUSTRIA 


So, wholly forgetting himself, he cuddled his violin closely 
under his chin, and whispering to it lovingly, played. 

Played as he had played that afternoon, in the quiet chamber 
to the Emperor and his grandchildren; and all curiosity and 
indifference died away, and those who listened, held their 
breath in surprised delight. For he brought to them the cool 
sweet breath of pine woods, the ripple of April leaves, the sound 
of voices long unheard but never to be forgotten. And when 

at last, at the Emperor’s 
request, he played “ the 
song that mothers sing,” 
into many eyes which for 
long had not felt them, 
crept tears. Then his bow 
dropped and he looked wist- 
fully into the Emperor’s face. 
There was a moment of ab- 
solute silence, and then the 
room re-echoed with ap- 
plause. It came with such 
a crash that once more 
Fritzl was frightened, and 
shrank closer to the Kaiser. 
Seeing the boy was overwrought, ‘‘ Unser Franz ” said 
quickly, ‘‘ Now he shall play for you the noblest hymn our 
‘ Vater Haydn ’ ever wrote. And then, the little ones shall 
dance! ” 

Once again, Fritzl lifted his shining bow. The voices of the 
people joined that of the violin, and “ Gott erhalte, Gott be- 
schiitze ” rang through the room, as it had never before been 
sung there. For every heart rejoiced that the little Prince 
could walk, and they knew that to the lad who played to them' 



CHRISTMAS IN AC/STRIA 


29 

God had given the gift of genius. Then the Emperor ordered 
the salon prepared for the children to dance. 

The older members of the imperial family made their obei- 
sances and departed. And at last, only the children of the house 
of Habsburg and a few of the younger matrons remained with 
the Emperor. 

Once more the great Christmas tree blazed with candles, 
while about it danced the children hand in hand. 

Then Fritzl tuned his violin carefully. May I play for 
them to dance? ” he said. 

“ Unser Franz nodded a smiling consent. 

Then, back and forth over the tense strings flew the gleaming 
bow, and the waltz the elder Strauss wrote for the music and 
dance loving Viennese, and which they love above all others — 
“ Die Schone Blaue Donau ” — vibrated through the Blue 
Salon. 

Back and forth, like butterflies, danced the children, curls 
and ribbons blowing, little feet twinkling on the polished floor, 
while the Emperor beat time on the arms of his throne and 
smiled happily, greeting them all as they fluttered by. 

At the foot of the throne, two boys watched the dancing. 
The “ little lame Prince,” lame no longer. The little ‘‘ waif,” 
a waif no longer, and to-day, one of the world’s great violinists. 

“ Thou wilt be dancing with them, next Christmas, Lieb- 
chen,” said the Emperor, patting his grandson’s curly head. 

‘‘ Ye-e-s, sir,” assented Max, without enthusiasm; “but — 
oh. Grandpapa Franzchen,” he cried excitedly, “I’d rather run 
races in the garden with Betty and Fritzl and Tzandi! ” 

“ Well, thou canst do both,” laughed “ Unser Franz.” 

“ Oh dear me,” sighed Betty, as the candles having burnt 
low in the sconces, and upon the great tree, the last good nights 
were being said: “ Christmas is all over! ” 


30 


CHRISTMAS IN AC/STRIA 


It will come again next year, little sister, it always does,’’ 
consoled Max, ‘‘ and next year it will be nicer for Fritzl, because 
he missed the Christmas tree last night, you know, Betty! ” 

“ It couldn’t be nicer,” cried Fritzl, smiling gratefully at the 
little brother and sister: it’s the very most beautifullest Christ- 
mas that ever was! ” And Tzandi, whirling delightedly on his 
hind legs, barked an ecstatic assent. 




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